Department For Education
The early years census is a statutory census that takes place every January. All local authorities must submit data for this census.
Software suppliers should read the business and technical specification.
For queries about submitting your data, contact us using our data collections service request form.
- Census dates
Find out when you'll need to submit data to us.
- Which children to include
Find out which providers and children are in the scope for the early years census.
- Changes from the previous early years census
Details of what's changed since the last census.
- Data items
Guidance about the information you need to send us.
- Submitting and checking a return
Information on using our data collection systems to send us your early years census data, checking your return, validating the data and resolving errors.
- Find an early years census code
List of codes to use when completing your early years census.
- Methodology for calculating PTE places
Explains the methodology local authorities should use to correctly record part-time equivalent (PTE) children on the early years census.
- Statutory requirement, data sharing and regulations
The legislation, guidance and best practice to follow.